Intense gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, while agencies say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
