Powerful gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, while agencies report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the weather, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on this day occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
