Intense gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled agencies to halt over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, though authorities report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
