Powerful winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to call off over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, while authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled due to the gusts, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
