Intense gales attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to call off more than 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, while agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to change some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
