Strong business communities grow when the right people lead them. People who care about connection, who back their local region, and who help others succeed. In Canterbury South, one of those people is Vicki Hawkes.
Vicki is a proud Networkers franchise partner whose region covers the mid-south Canterbury districts from Selwyn to Timaru. She originally joined The Networkers as a member in 2022 and purchased her Franchise in 2024.
Vicki has a wealth of experience in business development, sales management, and team management, gained through her previous work. Since starting out, she has also created her own business, Blissful Abode, where she transforms overwhelmed households into calm, functional, and beautifully organised spaces.
Vicki first joined The Networkers as a member in the Rolleston group before jumping at the chance to join the facilitation team in Ashburton.
Why did she become a Franchise Partner?
When the opportunity for her to take up the Mid-South Canterbury franchise arose, she didn’t have to think twice, saying that it was “my way of giving back to a business that had meant so much to me.”
And, she knew with her experience, she could grow the business while also supporting the members, businesses, and community at the heart of it.
“When I first joined The Networkers as a member, I had no idea how much it would shape my life. I grew to genuinely care about the people in my group, and during one of the hardest seasons I’ve ever faced, that business family lifted me up and helped me through. That experience changed everything for me. It showed me that The Networkers isn’t just about business; it’s about community, support, and belonging.”
Vicki Hawkes
Connecting the Region
Over the past two years, she has had some incredible achievements in the region.
She launched a second group in Timaru, bringing the number of groups to 3 in the Mid-South Canterbury region, supporting 59 members across the region. These groups love to support their community and have participated in some cool events, including the Timaru group making upgrades to a local early learning centre.
She has also been bitten by the fundraising bug – raising over $21,000 in 2025 for local charities. With the support and generosity of members and the community, they raised $7,000 for Citizens Advice Mid Canterbury and $14,000 for Hospice South Canterbury.
Her favourite thing about being a franchise partner and facilitator is ensuring that each group has been nurtured individually so members feel seen, supported, and excited to show up.
“The Networkers aligns so strongly with my values. Helping people, connecting businesses, and creating real community impact is what fills my cup.”
Vicki Hawkes
She loves it so much, in fact, that she has also bought the Selwyn – Banks Peninsula franchise!
We are looking forward to watching her build her new franchise region with the same energy, consistency, and heart that she has poured into her previous one. The Canterbury South Franchise is in good hands.
