Intense winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled agencies to call off over 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions such as these major districts.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, while authorities report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the city have been suspended because of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared fire bans for concern about bushfires.
