Powerful gales attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced agencies to halt more than 100 flights, according to local media.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households mainly in the South Island, though officials report that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been cancelled due to the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has forced 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 remote areas.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
