Powerful gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households lacking electricity and led officials to halt over 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mainly in the southern region, though officials say that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has forced them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for concern about forest fires.
