Severe gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced officials to call off more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, while authorities report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
