Powerful winds reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, although agencies report that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on this day occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
