Severe gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled agencies to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, although agencies report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted 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 road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended due to the weather, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
