Intense gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mostly in the South Island, while officials say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been suspended due to the winds, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on this day occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
