Severe winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled officials to halt over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, while authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on this day come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
