Powerful gales attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off over 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, though agencies say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled as a result of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
