Severe winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes without power and led agencies to call off over 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, though authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the city have been cancelled because of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced fire bans for fear of forest fires.
