Severe gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced agencies to halt more than 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, though authorities state that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of bushfires.
