WELLINGTON - New Zealand Prime Minister John Key met national security officials on Tuesday as New Zealand went on heightened alert following the killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.

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Key said both the United States and Britain have indicated there is a greater chance of terrorist attacks, Radio New Zealand reported.

He said countries have to be more careful following the US military operation which killed the al-Qaida leader.

Key said he expects his officials to do all they can to ensure the safety of New Zealanders.

Key said bin Laden's death is more symbolic than anything.