Powerful gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled agencies to call off in excess of 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, though agencies say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
