Severe winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced officials to halt more than 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions such as these major districts.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, while officials say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been halted due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared fire bans for concern about wildfires.
