Intense winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled officials to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, though authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
