Intense gales attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, while agencies say that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on this day coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
