Playing partner Joshua Carmichael walked off the 18th calling Geary the B.O.S.
"He is the B.O.S because he puts bums on seats,'' said the North Harbour professional who shot a two-under par 68 to be tied third alongside Ropiha (71).
Lee was also happy with his progress. To be in a share of the lead was an unexpected surprise after little tournament play.
Lee, who is the course record holder at Tauranga with a 59, was excited about contending for his first Charles Tour title after finishing runner-up on two occasions.
"I am looking forward to a good battle. This is what we play for so it should be good fun.''
Meanwhile, after a day of battling the gusting winds three players - Bay of Plenty's Tyla Kingi, Auckland No 1 Mun Chin Keh and North Harbour professional Jenna Hunter - share the lead heading into the final round of the women's event.
The 14-year-old Kingi, who began two shots behind overnight leader Lita Guo (79), carded a four-over par 76 on moving day to have a chance of winning her first Charles Tour title.
Kingi first made a name for herself when she won the Junior Tiger Final as an 11-year-old. Now three years on she is competing for a Charles Tour title with the country's best amateurs.
New Zealand amateur rep Keh was hoping to win consecutive titles on The Charles Tour.
"It would be great to win back to back,'' the 21-year-old said. "I have never played this tournament so I would love to win here. It will be a good challenge tomorrow. It's a good chance to win.''
The Titirangi golfer has enjoyed a fine year where she has won the North Island and South Island Stroke Play titles and the Muriwai Open.
Keh will begin the final round as the favourite but Kingi and Hunter will look to breakthrough and win for the first time on The Charles Tour.
