A married teacher who had an intimate relationship with a primary school pupil he called his "first true love" has been deregistered.

The relationship between the man and the year 8 girl developed during several terms last year. There was at least one intimate physical encounter, although they did not have sex, the Teachers Council disciplinary tribunal decision said.

The decision was one of two released by the council.

The names and locations of teachers, pupils and schools are always removed.

The tribunal said the teacher sent the girl sexual text messages, including such statements as "I am feeling horny", and arranged for her to come to school early so they could have time together.

He also kissed her in his room at camp and wrote her a letter that said, "Thank you 4 choosing 2 love me and be all mine and 4 caring about me", "being able 2 hold u and kiss u has just been the best feeling" and "u r my first true love".

The girl's statement, presented at a hearing in May, said the man was not her teacher, but his contact with her soon showed favouritism.

Their text messages became romantic, she said. They then started meeting outside of school, and their text messages became sexual.

The teacher told the pupil to deny their relationship, and lie about who was contacting her.

He gave her gifts and letters and refused to talk to her if she did not do as he asked.

The tribunal said the pupil's evidence was "distressingly familiar".

"The respondent took advantage of his position as a teacher to ingratiate himself with a young student and ... there was a significant amount of manipulative behaviour on his part."

Gaeline Phipps, the girl's lawyer, said the teacher's behaviour suggested he was grooming her. The tribunal agreed.

At the "very last minute" the man admitted his misconduct, although he disputed some facts.

He was ordered to pay the girl $3000.