Severe winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households without power and forced agencies to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions such as these major districts.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, while officials state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been halted due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to change some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
