Intense gusts attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, while authorities report that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been halted due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
