Intense gusts reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes without power and led agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been halted due to the winds, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
