Intense gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and led officials to cancel over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, though authorities say that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
