Severe gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes without power and led authorities to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, while officials report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted due to the weather, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on this day come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
