Severe gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties without power and compelled authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, while agencies say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended due to the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on this day occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to change some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
