Intense gusts reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to call off in excess of 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, though authorities report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about wildfires.
