Severe winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and led agencies to halt over 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, although agencies state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been suspended because of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
