Severe gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel in excess of 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, although authorities report that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
