Severe gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to call off over 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas including these major districts.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, although officials say that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been halted because of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
