Powerful gusts attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled officials to cancel over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, while authorities state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled due to the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
