Severe winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties without power and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mostly in the South Island, though agencies say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
