Powerful winds reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes without power and compelled authorities to call off in excess of 100 flights, according to local media.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households mainly in the South Island, although agencies state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of bushfires.
