Powerful gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt over 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, though authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been suspended due to the weather, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
