Powerful gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled agencies to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mostly in the South Island, while officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has forced them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
