Severe gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led agencies to cancel over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the South Island, while agencies say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on today occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
