Interesting. I flew AKL-MEL-DXB in First with Emirates a couple of weeks ago, my experience was quite different (ignoring the rude, obnoxious couple opposite me). Service was excellent, I was neither overwhelmed nor ignored, the crew were attentive and very pleasant. Did you have the "do not disturb" light on by mistake?
With the doors closed, I noticed a crew member would occasionally, and discreetly, look over the top of the cubicle and, if I was awake, ask if there was anything I needed. When I was asleep I was left alone, but was asked if I wanted breakfast when she noticed I'd woken up.
Transferring at DXB T3 was also painless, perhaps because the terminal seemed deserted (it was December 27th after all). I had 1h20m to transfer and I had time to spare. It was busier on my return - looked like a different place - but transferring was again painless.
Some of the planes can be a bit shabby occasionally, but overall Emirates are my first choice to AKL.