Powerful gusts reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households without power and led officials to halt over 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, though agencies report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced fire bans for concern about bushfires.
