Severe gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to halt over 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, while agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended due to the gusts, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
