Intense gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households without power and forced officials to call off in excess of 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, while officials state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on this day occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
