Severe gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, though authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
