Severe winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, though officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been halted as a result of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
