Intense winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, while authorities say that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been cancelled because of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for fear of bushfires.
