Intense gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled officials to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, although officials say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been suspended because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
