Powerful gales attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households without power and forced officials to call off over 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, although authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled due to the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared fire bans for concern about bushfires.