Severe winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, although authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
