Severe gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as these major districts.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, while authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch 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 filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
