Severe winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and forced authorities to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, while authorities report that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the city have been halted as a result of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
