Intense winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, while authorities report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for concern about bushfires.
