By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Goway and Air New Zealand broke out the traditional cucumber sandwiches once again (ok, it was actually poutine and chicken sliders) as the two sporting frenemies convened for their annual summer cricket match at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club late last week.
In real life, the two travel companies are the best of friends and partners – so much so that the two have been duking it out (or whatever it is they do in cricket) for the past 25 years.
Such is the importance of the camaraderie that ANZ continued to sponsor the event this year even during turbulent times for the airline industry, noted Anthony Saba, VP, South Pacific at Goway and one of the chief organizers of the event
“For 25 years now, the Goway vs Air New Zealand cricket match has been a highlight event on the Goway calendar,” said Saba. “Cricket has been central to Australian and New Zealander culture for over 150 years, and it’s growing in popularity across North America. Nothing speaks to Goway being No. 1 to Downunder, and its global roots, like playing an annual cricket match in Canada. It also highlights the strong partnerships that Goway has forged over the past 56 years, such as our lasting relationship with Air New Zealand.”
“Goway Travel and Air New Zealand share a special trade relationship that dates back many decades, and a big part of that close partnership is the annual Goway vs Air New Zealand cricket match, played in Toronto each year,” added Mason Spencer of ANZ. “It’s a tradition that captures the friendship and mutual respect between Goway and Air New Zealand, both on and off the field, and one Air New Zealand looks forward to being part of for many years to come.”
This year’s event, which was attended by dozens of Goway partners and staff, was the most elaborate yet, featuring a cricket tutorial from a pro beforehand, ongoing cocktail party, and sit-down dinner after the match.
Oh, and ANZ won. Not that it really mattered.
Here are some photos from the event with extra snaps courtesy of Goway’s Aaron Li.
Goway founder Bruce Hodge (r) 1 and CEO Dean Moore 
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