Powerful gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, though authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been suspended as a result of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
