Intense gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued fire bans for concern about forest fires.
