Severe winds attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt over 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, while authorities say that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
