Intense gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties without power and led officials to halt over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, although agencies state that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
