Powerful gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions such as these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, though officials report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
