Severe gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties without power and compelled authorities to call off more than 100 flights, according to local media.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, although agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the city have been cancelled as a result of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
