Powerful winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and led agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, although agencies say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been halted as a result of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to change some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
