Powerful winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel more than 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, although agencies state that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on today coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
