Intense gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households without power and forced officials to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, while authorities report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has forced them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
