Severe winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled officials to halt more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas including these major districts.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, though authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been cancelled because of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have issued fire bans for concern about forest fires.
