Severe winds attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, though agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
