Powerful winds hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to halt over 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, although agencies say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended due to the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared fire bans for concern about forest fires.
