Powerful gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties without power and led officials to cancel more than 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mostly in the South Island, though authorities say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on this day come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
