Severe winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes without power and compelled authorities to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, while authorities report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been halted due to the weather, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on this day occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
