Intense gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties without power and forced authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions such as these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, while officials report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about bushfires.
