Powerful gales hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and led officials to halt over 100 air travel services, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, although agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on this day occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
