Severe winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, while agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been halted due to the winds, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
