Severe gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties without power and forced agencies to call off more than 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, although agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been cancelled due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
