Intense gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, though authorities say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
