Severe gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties without power and led authorities to cancel more than 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, though agencies state that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
