November 26, 2025
From sneaking out in her pyjamas as a child to feed calves on a neighbour’s farm to becoming one of Franklin’s most trusted veterinary technicians, Delilah Flavell’s story is one of hard work, determination and a lifelong love of dairy farming.
Although her parents were not farmers, Delilah grew up next to a dairy property in rural South Auckland. The pull of the paddock was strong from the start.
“I’d sneak out in my pyjamas and help feed the calves,” she says. “My first job was teat spraying, and I got paid a $2 coin. That’s how it all started.”
What began as small jobs around the neighbourhood soon turned into regular weekend work, and eventually full-time employment on farm.
Delilah spent several years dairy farming before deciding to take her career in a slightly different direction.
From sneaking out in her pyjamas as a child to feed calves on a neighbour’s farm to becoming one of Franklin’s most trusted veterinary technicians, Delilah Flavell’s story is one of hard work, determination and a lifelong love of dairy farming.
Although her parents were not farmers, Delilah grew up next to a dairy property in rural South Auckland. The pull of the paddock was strong from the start.
“I’d sneak out in my pyjamas and help feed the calves,” she says. “My first job was teat spraying, and I got paid a $2 coin. That’s how it all started.”
What began as small jobs around the neighbourhood soon turned into regular weekend work, and eventually full-time employment on farm.
Delilah spent several years dairy farming before deciding to take her career in a slightly different direction.
