Teacher struck off over inappropriate texts

Over 100 pages of screenshots of text messages between Aaron John Huggard and the then 13-year-old student, were among evidence considered. Photo / 123rf

A high school teacher who formed an inappropriate bond with a female, year 9 student has been struck off.

Aaron John Huggard hads had his teacher registration cancelled, been censured and ordered to pay half of the costs of his disciplinary process.

Over 100 pages of screenshots of text messages between Huggard and the then 13-year-old student, were among evidence considered by the New Zealand Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal.

These included messages such as:

"Tempted to steal you away. Technically I could steal you away."

"Get your butt here. I want to hug the hell out of you."

"I care about you more than anything."

"I might explode. This hug needs to get out."

The relationship began in 2015.

Huggard stepped in to offer emotional support at the school after two students committed suicide.

The relationship between the teacher and student extended to one-on-one meeting, phone calls and texting.

Concerns were raised by other members of staff.

Concerns were raised by other students and members of staff, including the deputy principal who warned Huggard about his behaviour.

The teacher continued to make contact with the girl, who started turning her phone off due to the volume of texts Huggard was sending.

A formal investigation began in 2016. In the same year Huggard quit and admitted serious misconduct.

The student and her parents requested Huggard be denied name suppression, which he responded to by demanding the girl provide an affidavit.

"We are perturbed at the respondent's insistence on requiring an affidavit of a 14-year-old girl who has already been adversely affected by his actions," the report stated.