Severe winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led agencies to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, while agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
