Intense gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and led agencies to halt in excess of 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, although officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the urban area have been cancelled due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
