One in six trans and non-binary people say a health professional tried to change their gender identity, the latest data shows.

The statistic was revealed in Counting Ourselves - New Zealand's first comprehensive national study of the health and wellbeing of trans and non-binary people.

Seventeen per cent of the 1178 people surveyed for the research by the University of Waikato reported a professional - such as a counsellor or psychologist - "had tried to stop them from being trans or non-binary".

Nearly a quarter of Asian participants said they had been sent by their family members to a therapist, counsellor or religious advisor to stop them being trans or non-binary. The report's findings come as support for a ban of conversion therapy in New Zealand grows.

Conversion therapy is a practice through which people try to change LGBTQIA people's sexuality or gender identity using therapy, drugs or other means. It is sometimes called reparative therapy.

This week, the New Zealand National Party's youth wing Young Nats came out in support of a ban on conversion therapy.

The organisation said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that it was proud to add its voice to the cause. Read more via Stuff