Powerful gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced agencies to call off over 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mainly in the southern region, though authorities state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, 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, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
