Powerful gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones such as these major districts.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, although officials state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
