Intense winds hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, while officials report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been cancelled as a result of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
