Severe gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled authorities to call off in excess of 100 flights, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, though officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured 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 road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
