Intense gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and compelled authorities to cancel more than 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been suspended as a result of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on today come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
