Firefighters remain on standby overnight, keeping an eye on multiple large blazes that broke out in Kaikōura and Hawke's Bay.
Five houses in Kaikoura have been destroyed, along with nine other structures.
Four vegetation fires in Pōrongahau saw five households with about 15 people self-evacuate. Weather permitting, firefighters hope to have four helicopters and an airplane fighting the fires first thing on Wednesday morning.
A man was killed by a falling branch in Mt Victoria, Wellington, as powerful gales cause damage and transport disruption in the lower North Island.
In Wairarapa, schools and businesses are closed, there are widespread power outages and buses are suspended, while authorities urge people to stay indoors
Air New Zealand paused flights in and out of Wellington Airport for the morning, but they have since resumed.
Power has been knocked out to thousands of properties across the country.
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