A skipper has been sentenced over a fatal boating trip in the Manukau Harbour

Kevin McQuire pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges relating to the deaths of his girlfriend and her 10-year-old son in November 2022.

Five people where thrown from McQuire's boat when it capsized, clinging to it for up to five hours while waiting for help.

No one had lifejackets on and the boat had no working radio.

The woman and child were unable to stay afloat and drowned 30 minutes before rescuers arrived.

McQuire's been sentenced to six months community detention and to pay 15-thousand dollars for emotional harm.