Severe gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, though agencies report that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been suspended because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
