Powerful winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households without power and forced agencies to call off over 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, though authorities state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of wildfires.
