Severe gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties without power and forced officials to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, though officials state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been suspended due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
