Intense gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas such as these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, though authorities report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
