Intense gales attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, while authorities state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
