Powerful gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households without power and forced officials to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, although authorities say that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
