The Malcam Charitable Trust founder received the award at a gala dinner in Auckland on Thursday night.
"I'm just stoked and thrilled really, but struggling with the fact 'How come it's me?
'. I could think of a thousand people who deserve it more than me," he said.
The award is designed to recognise those aged 60 and over who have made a positive contribution to the country, and while he felt "humbled and hugely honoured" by the recognition, it also made him feel "terrified".
Mr Cameron was one of three nominated for the award and after receiving a nominee certificate, took off his jacket and sat down, not expecting to return to the stage.
"I hardly got my backside down on the chair when my name was called out and I had to put my dinner jacket back on and go up again. I was like: 'How did this happen?
'"There were no assumptions. I did not expect to win, but I'm delighted that I did. It's been quite special.
"There are a whole lot of people who kept saying I was going to win it. I kept saying I was just making up the numbers. They were right and I was wrong so there's a wee payback required there," he said.
Along with establishing the Malcam in 1995, 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.
"I thanked the community and volunteer sector when I spoke [at the awards] because it's the good work people have done in communities throughout the country over many, many years that cleared the way for people like me to pick up awards on their behalf."
Mr Cameron also took the time to thank his family and those he worked alongside.
"We work as a team and that's the secret to success," he said.
Others to be honoured last night were Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Sir Richard Taylor, Coca-Cola Amatil Young New Zealander of the Year Sam Johnson, Mitre 10 Community of the Year Paeroa, and Kiwibank Local Hero Henare O'Keefe.
