Powerful winds hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off more than 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, though agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced fire bans for fear of forest fires.
