Powerful winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties without power and forced authorities to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, though authorities report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been cancelled because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared fire bans for concern about wildfires.
