Intense gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt over 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, though officials say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
