Powerful gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel more than 100 flights, according to local media.
The winds are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, while authorities state that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended because of the weather, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced fire bans for concern about forest fires.
