Powerful gusts attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes without power and compelled authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, while agencies report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the city have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
