Severe winds attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones such as these major districts.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, while authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
