Severe gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled authorities to cancel more than 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the city have been halted due to the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on today coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
