Powerful winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled authorities to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, though authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been cancelled due to the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
