Severe gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led authorities to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the southern region, though officials report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
