Greg O'Connor is prepared to change his stance on arming police - to fit with Labour party policy.

The former head of the Police Association, who lobbied strongly for the arming of police while in that position, has been chosen as Labour's candidate for the seat of Ōhāriu.

He's open to changing his position on arming officers.

"Absolutely, and what we've actually - the message has been, if we're going to keep the Police unarmed we've got to do something about the supply of illegal firearms in New Zealand, and that's where the focus has got to be."

O'Connor said he'd achieved everything he'd wanted to in his previous role.

"This is the gig - I reckon that the battle up here for Ohariu, and becoming the member for Ohariu, is just what I really wanted to do."

Yesterday, Party president Nigel Haworth said Greg O'Connor has a unique set of skills and experience and will be an excellent advocate for Ōhāriu.

The Ōhāriu seat has belonged to United Future leader Peter Dunne since 1984.