Severe gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, although officials say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
