Powerful gales attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households without power and forced officials to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, while officials state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
