Intense gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes without power and compelled authorities to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
