Powerful winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties without power and led authorities to cancel in excess of 100 flights, based on local media.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, though authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the city have been suspended because of the weather, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
