Powerful winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced officials to call off more than 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, though agencies report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been suspended due to the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared fire bans for concern about forest fires.
