Severe gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and compelled agencies to cancel over 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled due to the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
