Powerful gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, while officials report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event 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 some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
