Severe gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes without power and forced authorities to halt more than 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, while officials report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been suspended due to the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on this day occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
