Severe gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households without power and compelled agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones such as these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, while officials report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the weather, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on this day coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.