Intense gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, though agencies state that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
