Severe gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas such as these major districts.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, while officials state that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been halted as a result of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of bushfires.
