Intense winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to halt over 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, although officials report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
