Intense gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties without power and compelled officials to cancel more than 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
