Severe winds reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones such as these major districts.
People have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, while officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
