Severe gales hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties without power and led authorities to call off over 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones such as these major districts.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes mostly in the South Island, though officials say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been suspended as a result of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
