Severe gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to cancel more than 100 flights, according to local media.
These gusts are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted due to the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
