Powerful winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households without power and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, while agencies say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the urban area have been suspended because of the winds, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on this day coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced fire bans for concern about bushfires.
