Intense gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and led officials to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, although officials report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared fire bans for concern about wildfires.
