Severe gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to halt in excess of 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, though agencies state that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been halted because of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on this day occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
