Intense gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties without power and forced officials to call off more than 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences mostly in the South Island, though officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on this day occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
