Intense gales reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households without power and forced officials to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, though agencies say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
