Severe winds attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, though officials report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended because of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
