Severe gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and led agencies to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are influencing the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households predominantly in the southern region, although officials say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
