Powerful gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led officials to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, although agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
