Powerful gales hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and led agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as these major districts.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, although agencies say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been halted as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
