Powerful gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas such as these major districts.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, while agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled as a result of the weather, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
