Intense gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled officials to call off over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, while authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on this day come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
