Powerful gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes without power and forced authorities to cancel in excess of 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, while authorities say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
