Intense gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to cancel more than 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones including these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced fire bans for fear of forest fires.
