Powerful gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as these major districts.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, while agencies state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
