Powerful gales reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced officials to halt over 100 flights, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, although agencies state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been suspended due to the winds, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
