Powerful gales attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led officials to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, though authorities report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been suspended due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
