Severe gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced agencies to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, though officials say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while 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 wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been suspended because of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
The powerful gales on this day come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of bushfires.
