Severe winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households without power and led agencies to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, while agencies say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been suspended due to the weather, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
