Powerful winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and led authorities to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mostly in the South Island, although authorities say that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on this day come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
