Severe winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and led authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, though agencies state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted due to the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on today come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to change some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
