Powerful winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas such as these major districts.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, though officials report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been halted because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
