Severe gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced agencies to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas including these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, although agencies say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
