Matthew Luke Hodder, 33, told the Parole Board at a hearing last month that it was well-known on the building site his business was in trouble and he was approached with the big cash offer for what he thought would be doing "security on a boat".
But what he had signed up for turned out to be a little more complicated.
Hodder, who went by the names "Matty Thunder" and "DIY Dave" during his time as an exotic performer, was tasked with diving under the hull of the 254m container ship, Spirit of Auckland, and retrieving 91kg of cocaine.
He and his handler, Carlos Davide Ferreira-Sampaio, were spooked by a police presence when they tried to execute the mission in Melbourne, so they flew to the vessel’s next destination, Port Chalmers.
The drugs, however, had already been removed by United States authorities when the ship was docked in Philadelphia and the duo were under police surveillance from the moment they landed at Queenstown Airport.
Hodder was jailed for four years two months after admitting attempting to take possession of a class-A drug for the purpose of supply.
The Parole Board heard he had a clean criminal record, but was wanted in Australia for driving under the influence, careless driving and failing to give way.
Counsel Phil Hamlin said a deportation order had been served on his client and he had extensive family support overseas.
He argued the Otago Corrections Facility prisoner should be released so he could return home where he could undertake his rehabilitation.
Hodder had completed six alcohol and drug counselling sessions, the board heard.
But panel convener Mary More stressed the safety of Australians had to be considered.
"The board is concerned that if Mr Hodder was released to the community of Australia without rehabilitation, he would essentially be released as an untreated offender," she said.
"In the absence of any rehabilitation we are also conscious that if we did release Mr Hodder to Australia, we would be unable to impose the special conditions we normally consider."
It was recommended the prisoner complete the Dependency Treatment Programme at Christchurch Men’s Prison, a course that would last six months.
"We see that as the best pathway forward for him," Ms More said.
At his sentencing before the High Court at Dunedin in February, Hodder said his arrest had been a relief, given the stress he had endured.
"I’ve never felt so free in my whole life."
Hodder will appear before the Parole Board again in April next year.
