Severe gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to call off over 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mainly in the southern region, though authorities state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended due to the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
