Powerful gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to halt over 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, while agencies say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled because of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
