Powerful gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas such as these major districts.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted as a result of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
