Powerful gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced officials to call off in excess of 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households predominantly in the southern region, although agencies say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the winds, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced fire bans for concern about wildfires.
