Intense gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households lacking electricity and led authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, although officials report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
