Severe gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced officials to call off more than 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mostly in the South Island, while officials say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
