A massive drive is underway to convince the Government to legislate for flexible working hours.

Twenty-six business and community groups have launched the campaign under the banner of the Quality Flexible Working Hours Coalition.

They are supporting Green MP Sue Kedgley's private member's bill on the issue.

Ms Kedgley says New Zealand has one of the longest working hours cultures in the OECD and it is time to address that.

She says the 40-hour working week has become a straitjacket in New Zealand, clogging our cities with congestion as we all race to work at the same time.