Intense gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled officials to halt more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, though agencies report that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been cancelled because of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on today coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
