Powerful gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled officials to halt over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, while authorities report that power was being slowly brought back.
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.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced fire bans for fear of wildfires.
