Severe gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled agencies to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, although authorities state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
