Severe gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, though agencies state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported 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 fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled as a result of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
