Intense gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced officials to halt in excess of 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, though authorities report that energy was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on today occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
