Powerful gales hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties without power and forced authorities to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, while authorities report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on this day come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has forced them to change some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
