Intense gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households without power and forced officials to halt in excess of 100 flights, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, while authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled as a result of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on today occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
