Powerful winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and led authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones such as these major districts.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, though officials say that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been suspended due to the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
