Intense winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel more than 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, though officials state that energy 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 winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with 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.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
