Intense gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt over 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, although authorities say that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the city have been suspended because of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
