Powerful winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households without power and compelled authorities to call off more than 100 flights, based on local media.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions including these major districts.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, although officials say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been halted because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
