Powerful winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and forced agencies to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, although officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
