Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull helped members of the Malcam Charitable Trust organise a homecoming celebration in tribute to Mr Cameron's latest award.
People with ties to Mr Cameron travelled from throughout New Zealand to acknowledge his achievements at a function in the Dunedin City Library.
He said it was "hugely humbling" and a great thrill for the trust, which he founded in 1995.
"I'm blown away. It's just unbelievable that people want to come down, and so thrilling. I'm just blessed," he said.
Mr Cull, one of three main speakers at the function, praised Mr Cameron's passion for "getting things done" when it came to community projects - particularly those for youth.
"He's always offered more than money," he said.
"He's incapable of just letting things happen. He's passionate about social issues and has spent a great deal of his life doing something about it."
Mr Cameron inspired others to implement similar programmes in their own towns and cities, and he was also skilled at bringing people together for common causes.
"Mr Cameron is a uniter, not a divider, and God knows we need more of those in our community," Mr Cull said.
Mr Cameron said he was "a bit nervous" about making a speech, in which he took care to thank many others.
He said societal attitudes towards young people had to change.
"There's nothing wrong with our young people. Scratch the surface and you'll find gold," he said.
As well as the Malcam trust, Mr Cameron has been involved in the launch and or development of about 60 other programmes and trusts, including the Youth Service Corps, SuperGrans, Neighbourhood Support, Lend a Hand Foundation, and 4 Trades.
