Powerful gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes without power and forced officials to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, while authorities say that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been cancelled because of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on today occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
