Intense gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel more than 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the southern region, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been halted because of the winds, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
