Intense gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and forced agencies to cancel more than 100 flights, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, though agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
