Using Qantas points to upgrade to business class on an Emirates flight

How is it that when I buy an economy ticket from Sydney to Auckland with Qantas I can't use my points to upgrade to business because they have put me on an Emirates operated flight? Wasn't that the whole point of the merger?

Im not 100% sure so dont quote me, but, I believe that the NZ Government hasnt allowed the 'alliance' to fully extend into NZ. It's more like a codeshare flight so upgrades etc are only relevant to Emirates or Qanatas FF's, not both.

Since NZ is still majority state owned I guess the NZ Govt is protecting its interests.

You can only use points to upgrade on Qantas metal if booked using Qantas points.

I should add if booked through Qantas, period.