Oranga Tamariki looks to have fallen short of its responsibility for children's health checkups.

The National Care Standards require Oranga Tamariki to annually check medical and dental needs, when a child comes into care.

But a new report has found Oranga Tamariki has failed to properly keep track - and not all children had regular checkups.

Independent Children’s Monitor Chief Executive Arran Jones says they are vital for improving long-term health outcomes.

"It's of utmost importance that the state, acting as the parent, does everything that they can to look after them. And that includes making sure that they're healthy, that they're connected up to the health services that they need."

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