Intense winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are affecting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, though authorities state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted because of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has forced them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
