Powerful winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the southern region, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the city have been suspended because of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
