Intense gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 flights, based on local media.
The winds are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, although authorities report that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman 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.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted because of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on this day coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to change some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
