Intense winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households mainly in the South Island, although authorities report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
