Powerful gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and led officials to call off over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions such as these major districts.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, though agencies report that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been halted because of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
