Intense gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt over 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones such as these major districts.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, although authorities report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the city have been suspended due to the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
