Powerful winds attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to halt more than 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, while officials state that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been halted due to the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
The powerful gales on this day occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
