Severe winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel over 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been cancelled due to the winds, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
