Powerful gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to halt more than 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, while agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been suspended due to the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has forced them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
