Intense winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to halt over 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, though officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted as a result of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced fire bans for concern about bushfires.
