Powerful gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households without power and forced authorities to halt over 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas such as these major districts.
People have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, although officials report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on today come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
