Severe gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households without power and led authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, while authorities report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the city have been halted as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
