Powerful gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties without power and led authorities to halt more than 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, though officials say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
