Powerful gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and compelled authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, though officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the urban area have been suspended as a result of the winds, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
