Intense gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel more than 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, although officials say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted due to the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.