Intense gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties without power and led agencies to halt over 100 flights, according to local media.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, although officials state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
