Severe winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, though officials state that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on today come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
