Severe winds attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to local media.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, though officials say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled because of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
