Powerful gales hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households without power and forced officials to cancel more than 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas such as these major districts.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households predominantly in the southern region, though authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled due to the winds, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on this day occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
