Severe gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel in excess of 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, although authorities state that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled as a result of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
