Powerful winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones such as these major districts.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, although officials report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on this day coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
