Powerful gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and forced officials to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, while authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled because of the winds, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on this day occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
