(Updates to close)
SYDNEY, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Australian shares ended the session 0.2 percent higher on Monday, underpinned by gains in the healthcare and utilities sectors although weak energy stocks capped the market.
The S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO rose 11.16 points to 5,367.7, but was still close to a seven-month trough touched on Friday.
New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index .NZ50 gained 0.5 percent or 30.9 points to finish the session at 5,727.42.
(Editing by Shri Navaratnam)