Intense winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households without power and led authorities to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, though authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
