Powerful gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced agencies to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, although authorities say that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been suspended because of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced fire bans for fear of wildfires.
