Intense winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes without power and compelled agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
These gusts are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, while authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended due to the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
