Powerful gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households without power and compelled authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones including these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, while agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been cancelled due to the weather, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared fire bans for concern about forest fires.
