Stellar Recruitment celebrated a standout night at the 2026 RCSA Industry Awards, taking home three prestigious awards that recognise excellence across business performance, leadership and emerging talent. 

The Recruitment, Consulting & Staffing Association (RCSA) Awards recognise outstanding contributions across the recruitment and staffing industry in Australia and New Zealand. This year, Stellar was honoured with recognition across agency, leadership and emerging talent categories. 

Award Winners 

• Outstanding Large Agency - Stellar Recruitment NZ 
• Recruitment Leader of the Year - Kymberly Tupai, General Manager Northern Region 
• Rising Star of the Year - Paul Miller, Business Development Manager, Dunedin 

These achievements reflect the dedication, expertise and values demonstrated by Stellar's people every day, while highlighting the strength of the company's culture, leadership and commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for clients, candidates and communities. 

The awards followed an already strong showing as finalists across five categories, with additional finalist recognition awarded to: 

• Sally Paris - Recruitment Professional of the Year 
• Excellence in Safety and Wellbeing Culture - led by Olivia Yardley and Mikayla J

Being recognised across both individual and organisational categories reinforces Stellar's continued focus on building high-performing teams, creating meaningful employment opportunities and supporting workforce solutions throughout New Zealand. 

The Outstanding Large Agency award recognises businesses that demonstrate excellence in leadership, culture, operational performance, candidate and client outcomes, and industry contribution. 

For Stellar, the recognition reflects the collective effort of teams across New Zealand who support thousands of workers and partner with businesses across the infrastructure, construction, mining, energy, manufacturing, commercial and professional services sectors. 

Alongside the agency award, two Stellar team members were recognised for their individual contributions. 

Kymberly Tupai was named Recruitment Leader of the Year, recognising her exceptional leadership, commitment to team development and significant contribution to business growth. 

Paul Miller received the Rising Star of the Year Award, acknowledging the impact he has made early in his recruitment career through his dedication to clients, candidates and continuous professional growth. 

Stellar Recruitment Managing Director New Zealand, Robbie McIlraith, said the awards reflected the strength of the people behind the business. "To be recognised as Outstanding Large Agency is an incredible honour and one that belongs to our entire team. Every day, our people work hard to support clients, candidates and communities across New Zealand, and this award reflects the passion, professionalism and care they bring to that responsibility." 

"We are equally proud to see Kymberly and Paul recognised on the national stage. Their achievements are thoroughly deserved and demonstrate the quality of leadership and talent within our business. These awards are a testament to the culture we've built together and the trust our clients and candidates place in us." 

For Recruitment Leader of the Year recipient Kymberly Tupai, the award was a reflection of the teams and people she works alongside every day. 

"I am incredibly humbled to receive this recognition. Recruitment is ultimately about people, and I've been fortunate to work with talented colleagues, supportive leaders and outstanding clients throughout my career." 

"This award reflects the collective effort of our Northern Region team and the wider Stellar business. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside people who continually challenge each other to grow, support one another and deliver great outcomes for our clients and candidates." 

Rising Star of the Year, Paul Miller said the award represented an important milestone in his recruitment journey. "It is a privilege to receive this award and be recognised among so many talented professionals across the industry." 

"I've been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors and teammates at Stellar who have invested in my development from day one. This recognition motivates me to continue growing, building strong relationships and delivering the best possible outcomes for the people and businesses I work with." 

While the awards provide an opportunity to celebrate success, they also reinforce Stellar Recruitment's ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, industry leadership and creating meaningful outcomes for the people and organisations it serves. 

Congratulations to all finalists and winners at the 2026 RCSA Industry Awards. We are proud to be part of an industry that continues to raise the bar and make a positive impact across New Zealand and Australia. 

Thank you to our clients, candidates, workforce and team members who have been part of the Stellar journey. This recognition would not be possible without your ongoing support and trust.