Intense gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions including these major districts.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, although agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted as a result of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
