Protecting local "identity" is crucial to any local government reform, North Canterbury mayors say. The region’s mayors were responding to the Government’s announcement it was giving councils three months to come up with proposals to reorganise local government in their regions. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop warned the Government will step in if councils don’t come up with credible options. It follows the Government’s announcement in November that it would replace elected regional councillors with boards of mayors who would be responsible for coming up with regional reorganisation plans and regional spatial plans. Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said his council will carefully consider the latest proposal. A Greater Christchurch unitary council has been floated, which would see Waimakariri joining with Christchurch and Selwyn. ‘‘Past consultations made our residents' position clear: Structural change is not the right fit for our district at this time,’’ Gordon said.…