Intense gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties without power and forced authorities to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, while authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on today occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
