Intense gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households without power and compelled authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, although officials say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
