Intense gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households without power and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, though authorities report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been suspended due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
