Severe winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties without power and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, while agencies state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been suspended because of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
