Severe gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, although agencies report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for concern about forest fires.
