Severe gales hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes without power and led agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions such as these major districts.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes mostly in the South Island, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended because of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on this day coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
