Powerful gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, while authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
