Powerful gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to call off over 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, while authorities state that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been halted as a result of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on today come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
