Severe winds attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households without power and forced officials to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, although authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
