Intense winds attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled agencies to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as these major districts.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled as a result of the winds, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
