Queensland's bracing for Cyclone Alfred to hit later this week. 

It's been upgraded to category two overnight, and is brewing off the Australian coast, where it's already causing heavy surf and high tides.  

Correspondent Donna Demaio told Andrew Dickens it's expected to hit on Thursday or Friday.  

She says there's a possibility of destructive winds and life-threatening flash flooding. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Queensland's bracing for Cyclone Alfred to hit later this week.&nbsp;
It's been upgraded to category two overnight, and is brewing off the Australian coast, where it's already causing heavy surf and high tides. &nbsp;
Correspondent Donna Demaio told Andrew Dickens it's expected to hit on Thursday or Friday. &nbsp;
She says there's a possibility of destructive winds and life-threatening flash flooding.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the incoming Cyclone Alfred

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/65430c6a-78b4-421e-b107-b2950157b087/transcript

Auckland FC are heading for their first A-League grand final at a sold-out stadium. 

It’s both the first time a grand final has been played in New Zealand, and the first time a Kiwi team has made it this far in the competition.  

Auckland FC Fan Group’s Tim Adams told Ryan Bridge that the game is going to be insane. 

“The ability to comprehend being in a final and being in a home final after having a club for only two years, it’s actually just crazy.” 

He says the hardcore fans are going to make sure it’s an event that won’t be forgotten. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Auckland FC are heading for their first A-League grand final at a sold-out stadium.&nbsp;
It’s both the first time a grand final has been played in New Zealand, and the first time a Kiwi team has made it this far in the competition. &nbsp;
Auckland FC Fan Group’s Tim Adams told Ryan Bridge that the game is going to be insane.&nbsp;
“The ability to comprehend being in a final and being in a home final after having a club for only two years, it’s actually just crazy.”&nbsp;
He says the hardcore fans are going to make sure it’s an event that won’t be forgotten.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Tim Adams: Auckland FC Fan Group Representative previews the A-League Grand Final clash

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/586256b8-e188-444b-858b-b4520002b5be/transcript

There are concerns elderly people will be left behind in a housing support overhaul. 

This year's Budget includes hiking the amount social housing tenants have to pay, from 25% of their income to 30%. 

It means low-income earners in private rentals receive an average increase of nearly $15 a week. 

Social Housing Aotearoa Chief Executive Paul Gilberd told Ryan Bridge thousands of people in social housing are older, and many can't afford current rental prices. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

There are concerns elderly people will be left behind in a housing support overhaul.&nbsp;
This year's Budget includes hiking the amount social housing tenants have to pay, from 25% of their income to 30%.&nbsp;
It means low-income earners in private rentals receive an average increase of nearly $15 a week.&nbsp;
Social Housing Aotearoa Chief Executive Paul Gilberd told Ryan Bridge thousands of people in social housing are older, and many can't afford current rental prices.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Paul Giberd: Social Housing Aotearoa CEO on the social housing overhaul and possible impact on elderly people

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/276e7842-1922-4f1a-b8bb-b451018ac849/transcript

Pharmac's looking to expand free flu vaccines to the group with the highest rates of influenza. 

The agency's looking at providing jabs to an extra 260 thousand children, between six months and five-years-old, from next year.  

Otago University Public Health Professor Michael Baker told Ryan Bridge a small number in this age range die from influenza every year.  

He says given they often infect other family members, other countries around the world are already funding vaccines for under-fives.  

Baker says vaccines remain the best way to develop immunity. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Pharmac's looking to expand free flu vaccines to the group with the highest rates of influenza.&nbsp;
The agency's looking at providing jabs to an extra 260 thousand children, between six months and five-years-old, from next year. &nbsp;
Otago University Public Health Professor Michael Baker told Ryan Bridge a small number in this age range die from influenza every year. &nbsp;
He says given they often infect other family members, other countries around the world are already funding vaccines for under-fives. &nbsp;
Baker says vaccines remain the best way to develop immunity.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Michael Baker: Otago University Public Health Professor on Pharmac's proposal to expand free flu vaccines

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ff827efb-12ce-4016-869f-b4510187d932/transcript

Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the incoming Cyclone Alfred

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