Severe gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties without power and led officials to call off over 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the South Island, although agencies state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
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 female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted due to the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
