Severe gusts attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and led agencies to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the urban area have been cancelled due to the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
