Intense winds hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the southern region, though agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
