Intense gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, though agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been halted because of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
