Powerful gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households without power and forced agencies to call off more than 100 flights, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, although agencies report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
