Powerful gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes without power and compelled authorities to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, while authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
