How to get a visa for China for a NZ'er living in Australia besides permanent residency?

I am a New Zealander citizen, I currently hold a New Zealand Passport. I renewed my current passport on 9th January 2018. I have resided in Australia for 41years and married an Australian in 1980, had 3 of my 4 children in Australia. I work full time as a Primary School Teacher. My employer is the NSW Education Department (I have been teaching for the past 19 years).
I arrived in Australia in 1977, when passports were not required between Australia and New Zealand. I applied for and received my 1st NZ passport 15 years ago to travel by ship on a cruise to the pacific Islands and to New Zealand on various occasions. There was no visa required for these travels.
Applying for a China Visa: one of the requirements is to be an Australian permanent resident. I have never had or applied for a Visa to travel in or out of Australia. The Australian Permanent Residency Status takes up to 10 months or more. I have booked flights, accommodation and tours in China in September and October.