Intense winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households without power and forced agencies to halt more than 100 flights, based on local media.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences mainly in the southern region, while agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the winds, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to change some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
