Powerful gales attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off more than 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions including these major districts.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, though agencies say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled due to the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
