Intense winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties without power and forced agencies to halt over 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, while agencies say that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been halted because of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
