Intense gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt more than 100 flights, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones such as these major districts.
People have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, though agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
