Severe gusts reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled officials to call off over 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, although officials say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
