The controversy surrounding Winston Peters' exclusion from Friday's official opening of the Harbour Link Project has spurred a strong response by some in the Tauranga community.
Although Winston negotiated Harbour Link's toll-free status as part of his coalition deal with Labour after the 2005 election, the former Tauranga MP was not invited to the opening celebrations.
SunLive talked to the people of Tauranga in Red Square and asked them for their opinions over the controversy.

Do you think that Winston Peters should have been invited to the opening of the Harbourlink project considering that he was responsible for making it toll free?

I think he shoud have definitely been invited
Kent Hazelhurst, Tauranga

I really only have recently moved back to NZ so am not aware of the issues
Dave Churstain, Tauranga

I didn't know he wasn't, but Why should he be?
Diane Yorke, Tauranga

Not very good, not good at all, yep definitely he should have been, he is awesome.
Jackie Milroy, Tauranga

I knew nothing about it.
Ani Robertson, Tauranga

I think it is a bit sad and he should have been invited.
Carol Beange, Waihi Beach

I think he should have been invited, definitely.
Avril Banks, Tauranga