Intense gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households without power and compelled officials to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, although authorities say that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
