Severe winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and compelled officials to halt over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions including these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, while agencies say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the city have been suspended due to the weather, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
