Severe winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
These gusts are influencing the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, although agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled because of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
