Powerful winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, while agencies report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted due to the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
