Powerful winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to call off in excess of 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, though authorities report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
