Intense winds hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled agencies to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, though agencies report that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been cancelled due to the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
