Severe gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households without power and led authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, while authorities state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event 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 weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on today occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
