Severe winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led agencies to call off more than 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, although authorities report that energy was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been suspended because of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
