Powerful gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled agencies to cancel more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the southern region, while agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended because of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to change some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
