Aviation is a small world
With current numbers of NZ CPLs in the low thousands and two degrees of separation between everyone in NZ aviation, I can't agree more with flyby_kiwi's comment about keeping your nose clean.
Always be seen to be obeying the boss, CFI, aircraft flightmanual, or whoever is in charge. If you have a problem, then take the-powers-that-be a coffee and donut and have a chat.
ECT?