Powerful gales attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced officials to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, while officials say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted as a result of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on today occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
