Intense winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel over 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, while agencies state that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been suspended due to the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
The powerful gales on this day coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
