Powerful winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, though officials state that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been halted because of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on this day occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
