Powerful gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes without power and forced officials to call off over 100 flights, according to local media.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas such as these major districts.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, although agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled due to the winds, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
