Severe winds attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including these major districts.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, though officials say that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
