Powerful gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes without power and compelled officials to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones including these major districts.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for further utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, though authorities report that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
