Intense winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties without power and led agencies to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mainly in the southern region, while authorities report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on this day occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of wildfires.
