Severe winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled agencies to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, though authorities state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced fire bans for fear of forest fires.
