Severe gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, although agencies say that energy was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been halted because of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
