Powerful gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households without power and compelled authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mostly in the South Island, although agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been halted due to the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
