Icarus53,
You are correct about the Day only I.R. being limited to those with their medical certificates restricted to day only Ops, however it is possible to obtain an IR without a NVFR rating. The required 5 hrs night PIC for the issue of a the Instrument Rating can be obtained by provision of CAR 5.80 Private (aeroplane) pilot: rating required (2).
This CAR allows pilots to obtain night command time, whilst flying in the traffic pattern, without holding a NVFR rating subject to certain training d supervision requirements.
Many of the international colleges go down this route and it appears to becoming increasing popular with local students. Not a bad thing in my opinion saves a few bob and the advantages of holding a NVFR rating when you hold a MECIR are few.
MHA