UPDATED 10.04am Former Police Association president Greg O'Connor has confirmed he's making a tilt for Peter Dunne's seat.

LISTEN ABOVE: Greg O'Connor speaks to Mike Hosking

He'll be seeking the Labour nomination to stand in Ohariu, a seat Dunne has held for 33 years.

He said he's lived, worked and played for sports teams in the electorate over many years.

Mr O'Connor told Mike Hosking it's time the United Future leader bowed out.

"What you do is that if you stay around too long it's bad for the organisation, it's bad for everyone. Go out at the top. I think if Peter goes now he'll be going at the top."

Mr O'Connor said he's ready for the challenge but admits it won't be easy going against the long-serving incumbent. 

Peter Dunne is relaxed about the development.

"Every opponent's formidable. I don't think he's any more or less formidable than any other I have faced over the years. At the end of the day it's not about the individuals really, it's the feeling of the electorate and they'll make their call in due course."

He said there's a long way to go before Mr O'Connor will be an actual opponent.

"He's simply announced he's seeking the nomination. He hasn't been selected as their candidate. There's still an election to be fought, but good on him."

In January, Labour leader Andrew Little confirmed discussions between the party and O'Connor - saying Mr O'Connor "lines up perfectly" with Labour's calls for better police resourcing.

Mr O'Connor often took a hardline stance on law and order when Police Association president, including calling for police officers to be armed.

He is a cousin to Labour and West Coast-Tasman MP Damien O'Connor.