Severe gusts attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled agencies to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions such as these major districts.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been suspended due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
