Intense winds hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes without power and compelled agencies to cancel over 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, although authorities say that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on this day occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced fire bans for concern about forest fires.
