Severe gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled agencies to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, although authorities say that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day occur while many 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 severe conditions has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
