Intense gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households without power and forced agencies to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, though agencies state that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
