Severe winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households without power and forced authorities to cancel more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, though officials say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on this day occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
