Powerful gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and led officials to halt over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, though authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled as a result of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
