Severe gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled agencies to call off over 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, though agencies state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been halted due to the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
