Severe gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes without power and led agencies to halt over 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, while authorities state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
