Severe gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to call off more than 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, though officials say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
