Powerful gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties without power and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, though agencies state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been suspended due to the weather, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
