Intense winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, while officials report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled due to the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of wildfires.
