Powerful gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled authorities to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions such as these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, though authorities report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
