Severe gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led agencies to call off in excess of 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, while officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended due to the winds, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
