Intense winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to call off in excess of 100 flights, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
