Severe gusts attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions including these major districts.
People have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, although authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the city have been suspended due to the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
