Powerful gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to call off in excess of 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, although officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been suspended due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
