Intense gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, though authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been suspended because of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of wildfires.
