Severe gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led officials to call off more than 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, while authorities state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the weather, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.