Intense gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled agencies to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, while agencies say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of wildfires.
