Intense gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and led agencies to halt over 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, though agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been suspended due to the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
