Powerful gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households without power and compelled authorities to halt over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
People have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the South Island, although agencies report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
