Powerful gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and compelled officials to halt over 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, while agencies say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted as a result of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
