Severe gusts reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households without power and forced officials to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mostly in the South Island, although authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been halted due to the gusts, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
