Powerful winds hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel more than 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been cancelled due to the winds, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
The powerful gales on this day coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of bushfires.
