Severe gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to call off over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas including these major districts.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, while agencies report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on this day come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
