Intense winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, while authorities say that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended due to the weather, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
