Powerful winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled authorities to halt over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, though officials report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been halted due to the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
