Powerful gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled authorities to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, while officials report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled due to the weather, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
