Powerful gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, while authorities state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
