Intense winds reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, although officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended due to the winds, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
