Powerful gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas such as these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, though officials say 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.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
The wild winds on today come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
