Powerful winds attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off over 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, while officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
