Intense gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and forced officials to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, though agencies report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
