Severe winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to call off over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, while officials say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
