Severe gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to halt in excess of 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, though authorities state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended due to the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced fire bans for concern about wildfires.
